Why a $154B CEO just endorsed stripping most Americans of voting rights
a day ago
- Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke endorsed a tax-tiered voting system that ties voting rights to income tax payments, sparking debate over wealth, power, and democracy.
- The proposal suggests zero votes for those paying no income tax, one vote for $1–100K earners, up to five votes for $500K+, disenfranchising retirees, students, caregivers, and low-wage workers.
- This idea echoes historical 'census suffrage' systems, which were dismantled in the 20th century due to their role in entrenching wealthy elites and excluding workers, women, and minorities.
- The thread began with Lütke's suggestion that pension recipients be reclassified as 'dependents' and lose voting rights, prompting a sliding scale proposal from a respondent.
- Critics highlight irony in Lütke's endorsement, as he secured guaranteed 40% voting power in Shopify through a 'Founder Share' structure despite owning less equity, effectively decoupling voting from ownership.